[Amazon]The Kindle & Fire OS thread etc. - Page 21

The HDX is actually two tablets: a 7-inch model and an 8.9-inch version, just like the Kindle Fire HD before them. Both are still relatively inconspicuously designed, with virtually no flair — they're just black. Both models feel solid and well made when you’re holding them. The company has made a big deal about the reduction in size and weight, and there is some noticeable fat trimmed, particularly on the 8.9-inch model. As before Amazon is using a soft-touch material around the backs of the tablets, but it’s dotting the edges of that surface with angular, raised plastic edges that jut out at surprisingly funky angles.

They come with a feature that Amazon hopes will draw the Martha Stewarts of the world to its camp: the Mayday button, which connects anyone with a problem at any time directly to a customer service rep. And it's free.

When pressed, the Mayday button connects you via live video to a so-called "Amazon Tech Advisor" -- headset-clad and ready to answer questions or walk you through issues you may be having with your tablet. Although a box appears with video showing the Kindle expert, Amazon was quick to point out in a new ad that the person can only hear you -- he or she can't actually see you. The one-way video is designed to make people more comfortable with the feature and also rule out any Chat Roulette-like shenanigans that could lead to inappropriate exchanges. (Amazon also has a disclaimer that the Mayday sessions may be recorded.)

The tech support person can see your screen, draw blue and yellow arrows and circles on it to show you what to do, and even control it. These presumably very, very patient and cheerful folks are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and Amazon says that most calls will be answered within 15 seconds.

I've used Mayday seven times since receiving a review model of the Kindle Fire HDX, and I was very impressed. Six of the seven times, my call was answered within 15 seconds. The one time I did have to wait, it was only slightly longer. Two times I called, I couldn't hear the person on the other end, but that was because I was wearing headphones that don't have a microphone on them. Amazon said that's a bug it's working to fix.

Amazon unveiled a significant licensing agreement with HBO on Wednesday that brings popular programs from the premier cable channel to its Prime Instant Video service and puts the HBO Go app on its Fire TV media-streaming box.

Terms of the deal weren't disclosed, so it's unclear how much Amazon is coughing up for the privilege of being the first subscription streaming service to offer HBO.

Amazon is finally ready to unveil their Android phone, and they announced this by plastering a huge invite on their homepage for the whole world to take part in.

For the most part, Amazon has been successful with their Fire-branded Android devices. The Fire TV is super cool and crazy powerful, the Kindle Fire devices have carved a significant niche out for the company in the tablet market, and all they need is a phone in order to complete the digital trifecta of awesome. We’ve seen the leaks, heard the rumors, and now there’s a press even on the 18th of June. The cool thing about this event is that you’re invited.